Author's Note: Wow, is it Friday already? Goodness, time flies, doesn't it? *Yawns* I need to go to bed. I didn't go to bed until half passed four last night. Or rather, this morning. Me and a few friends watched a really cliché action movie. No regrets, right?
[Alice Longbottom]
Friday, December 5, 1980
Hello Harry! It's Alice, do you remember me? Of course you do, it hasn't been all that long, at least for you, reading. But luckily I remember you too, so you don't need to worry.
It already December, can you believe it? It seems like yesterday that you and my little Neville were born. But you're already growing up, aren't you? Sometimes I wish that Neville could stay tiny forever, but I know that's just silly. I'm sure I'll think differently when I get back to normal hours of sleep! It's gotten better in the past couple of months, of course, but I'm holding onto some hope that Neville won't keep waking us up in the middle of the night when he's older.
I'm feeling oddly nostalgic at the moment. Which is rather silly, and counter intuitive as well, because I'm also looking very much to the future. I don't care what house Neville will be in, but I'm sure he'll do great. Oh I'm sure you're good too, Harry, but I'm a mother. My child's the best, always. You get it I'm sure. I bet Lily's the same way about you.
But it's a weird feeling, sort of comforting in its own way. Relaxing, I suppose. It must be because the holidays are coming up soon. I don't know. I guess I'm being an old sap. I'm not even old, though. It must be something in the air that makes me think of growing old. Lily and I will be the best old ladies, you know. We'll tease the two of you to death, and we'll cackle at the passersby. You just wait. The boys just won't know what to do with us.
Speaking of 'old' and 'Christmas', and 'cackle' to be honest, Frank and I are having Christmas dinner with his mother, Augustus. Goodness, she is a character. A bit cold and stiff, if I'm being frank. Don't tell Frank I said that, I'll never hear the end of it. I get enough of the name game when he and Sirius get started. Oh no, your name is Harry! Oh dear, I'm sure you'll be a part of this as soon as you're old enough to understand it.
Goodness Frank used to have so much fun with both his names. Hogwarts legend says that a wise-ass fifth year asked Frank if his last name was accurate. Frank allegedly turned around, pulled his trousers down, and asked them to judge for themselves! Goodness, I hope Neville doesn't start doing that sort of thing when he gets to Hogwarts. Frank will likely try to get him to do it, though.
Anyway, back to Frank's mother, he said that she wasn't that bad when he was a kid. But she had gotten more careful and closed off when the war got worse. It affects everyone, though in different ways. Some are just worse than others.
I still have plenty to say about Christmas, though, so don't think it's done. I haven't done all my Christmas shopping yet. Lily was easy to shop for, she simple wanted artwork, nothing in particular. SO I won't tell you what I got her, in case she peaks, but I think she'll really like it.
Frank, on the other hand, I have nothing for so far. He's so selfless he hardly ever mentions if he wants something, I have to pay attention to every little thing he looks at when we go shopping. He hates to ask for anything. It's sweet, and I'm sure a great characteristic but it's bloody annoying when I want to buy him something nice.
As for what I'm getting? Well don't know what Frank will get me, he always likes to surprise me. I do know what Lily's getting me however, because I asked for it specifically. Drooble's Best Blowing Gum. Merlin, I love that stuff. I never did in school, but when I got pregnant with Neville I suddenly couldn't get enough of it. I swear he's probably half made of bubblegum, and it's a miracle that he didn't come out smelling like it.
I just looked at the clock, Merlin, has it been that long already? I really must be getting home, I've left Neville with Frank at home today. Shame he didn't get to come and see you, but we're a bit worried that he might have a touch of a cold. Nothing to worry about, but it's always good to be careful. Wow, I've said quite a lot about Christmas, haven't I? Well I hope you're in the festive mood, because apparently I am.
Love, Alice
Author's Note: So many little references. And buildup. And sadness. Why did I make this sad? I swear I didn't mean to. And who do you want to hear from next?
PS- Sorry to those who don't celebrate/don't want to hear about Christmas, but I left it deliberately vague. Just celebration and presents :)